Posted in News and Features

Find Food, Drinks, and Elegant, Rustic Vibes at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington

It’s prime time for dining al fresco, and we’re blessed with a number of wineries here in Missouri, which typically have outdoor dining options that often feature picturesque views of the rolling hills located throughout the Show Me State. Triple 3 Vineyard is located just minutes from downtown Washington, yet offers its guests a relaxed, rural atmosphere.

With its multiple seating areas that offer an elegant, yet rustic vibe, both inside and out, it’s a great place to meet friends or enjoy a romantic date. I recently spent a Saturday afternoon with friends at Triple 3, and although it was my first time just hanging out at the winery, it wasn’t my first visit. The establishment is also an event venue and is often the site of weddings, banquets, fundraising dinners, and more, so I was already familiar with the space as I’d spent time at an event held in the gorgeous Trinity Hall.

If you plan to come to the winery to enjoy some food and drinks, you can expect a wide selection of wines, of course, but its drink menu also features cocktails, beer, and soft drinks. If you’re a loyal reader of the website, then you already know I’m a craft beer chick, so on my visit I enjoyed a can of local craft brand Deep Sleep Brewing’s Helles lager, but the menu also features domestic beers as well.

When it comes to the food menu, there’s a number of starters that are sized to share with others, such as the charcuterie board, Bavarian garlic pretzel (which is almost as big as a car steering wheel!), and more. Since I was there with a group, I got to sample a couple of shareable items that someone else ordered like the bruschetta and pretzel. Both were absolutely tasty, with the bruschetta topped with cherry tomatoes, pesto, and a generous drizzle of balsamic, while the Bavarian pretzel was soft, yet chewy, and had a delectable buttery garlic flavor.

In addition to the starters, there are some main course items like salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. While I really debated on about four different items: the Greek salad, Reuben sandwich, Texas bistro sandwich (made with brisket), and the hot Hawaiian flatbread, the latter won out. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good flatbread.

Hot Hawaiian flatbread at Triple 3 Vineyard. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Let me start off by saying this is definitely large enough to feed two people, and I did end up sharing my flatbread! The delightfully crispy crust was topped with ham, bacon, red onion, pineapple, mozzarella, Baklouti oil, which gives the olive oil a yummy green chili flavor, as well as jalapeños, and is finished with dollops of a smoky and slightly sweet barbecue sauce. I love the salty, sweet, spicy, smoke flavors that this combination brings, so if you’ve got a similar palate, I think you’ll really dig the Hot Hawaiian.

If you’re team “no pineapple on pizza” or can’t handle spiciness, don’t worry, there’s a few other flatbread selections that are topped with brisket, or Italian meats like salami, pepperoni, plus bacon, or the Portobello and bacon option.

Whether you take my food or drink suggestions or not, I do hope you’ll get out and support some of the fabulous locally-owned dining options we have in our area!

The Socialite recommends Triple 3 Vineyard!

The details:
3665 Sunny Road, Washington
Visit Triple 3 Vineyard’s website
Find the winery on Facebook
Follow Triple 3 on Instagram

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County April 14 – April 20

Have breakfast with the Easter bunny, try your hand at wine bingo, or hear live music performed by local bands, plus more events happening around Franklin County this week.

Wednesday, April 16
Take a rejuvenating break in the middle of the work day with a floating nidra yoga session at Present Moment Yoga in Washington. Attendees will rest in the trapeze while being guided through a meditation. The class is limited to six attendees.
Learn more and get the ticket link.

Thursday, April 17
Break up the week with a round of wine bingo at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington. There’s no need to register for the event, just grab your friends and head to the winery for some fun. 
Learn more

Friday, April 18
The Jaycee Pavilion in Union will host breakfast with the Easter Bunny at 9 a.m. and an egg hunt to follow immediately after at 9:45am. Have breakfast and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Please bring your own camera and basket. Egg hunt is for children ages 1 to 7 years old.
Get the details.

Photo via Union Parks & Recreation Department’s Facebook page.

Friday, April 18
Stop by Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair for live music on the patio, performed by Danny & Lloyd. Blondie’s Breezeway serves food and cocktails, and often shares its menu specials on its Facebook page.
Visit their Facebook page to find out more.

Friday, April 18
Soul Refresh, a new health, wellness, and beauty-based business located in downtown Washington, is having a two-day grand opening celebration. There will be discounts and door prizes, including free sessions.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 19
Day two of Soul Refresh’s two-day grand opening celebration continues with discounts and door prizes, including free sessions.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 19
Main Street in Sullivan will be filled with a variety of merchants, vendors, and food.. This will be the first flea market of the year, and the event will run from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Get all the details.

Saturday, April 19
Head to N-Sports Rec Center in Washington for crafts and a photo with the Easter bunny from 1 – 3 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 19
First Baptist Church in Sullivan is hosting an Easter Egg hunt at 10:30 a.m. The fun is taking place behind the church at the elementary school. 
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, April 19
Barbecue and music just go together! Stop by Brown Jerry’s Blues, Brews, & Barbecue in Pacific to hear Jeremiah Johnson perform live, beginning at 7 p.m. 
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Posted in Events, Updates

What’s Happening in Franklin County March 3 – March 8, 2025

There’s a lot happening this week around Franklin County, Missouri.

Tuesday, March 4
Bad Beats Dance Class is a fun way to get fit. This hour-long class will feature a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class.

Wednesday, March 5
Explore your creative side and choose from making a St. Patrick’s themed Highland cow or a Mardi Gras painting at a paint night held at Sip on Main in Union. Included in the ticket price is a pre-traced canvas, plus $5 off food/drink at Sip on Main for that evening. 
Find out more and register.

Photo via Brushin’ Whimsy’s Constant Contact Signup Link

Thursday, March 6
Stop by The Tipsy Keg from 6 to 9 p.m. to line dance, or just relax and take in the music and dancing with your favorite drink in hand, if that’s more your style. 
Find out more.

Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Saturday, March 8
The third annual Shamwalk & Run event in Pacific will benefit MVR-III Bridge Foundation and Back to School Backpack Program. This St. Paddy’s Day themed run and walk will feature vendors you can visit before or after the race, as well as a Most Spirited Contest, 4 Leaf Clover Run, and Pot of Gold.
Find out more and sign up

Saturday, March 8
The Denim & Diamonds event in St. Clair will feature a Dolly Parton lookalike contest, exclusive offers from small businesses in the area, and giveaways. 
Get the full list of participating vendors

Photo via Denim & Diamonds’ Facebook Event

Saturday, March 8
Happening at Winehouse 66 in Pacific, Nibbles & Sips is a thoughtfully curated appetizer and wine pairing class designed for both discovery and enjoyment. The first half of the experience will feature a guided tasting of four expertly selected wines, each paired with a small bite to enhance its flavors.
In the second half, relax and enjoy a social grazing session—grab a glass or bottle of your favorite wine to share, savor the appetizer pairings, and enjoy great company in a welcoming atmosphere.
Register for this event.

Saturday, March 8
Tickets to the Washington pub crawl include a coolie cup and a participant shirt, which allows ticket holders to access  specials at the 15 area participating pubs, free shuttle service and scavenger hunt.
Find out more.

Saturday, March 8
Ladies, Littles, & Lattes + GRPC is a group that aims create a welcoming, safe, and clean environment for children to play alongside their caregiver and peers in the community. The Garden Gala fundraiser is set in a stunning garden backdrop and guests will enjoy dinner, entertainment, and four-hour open bar. Don’t miss this opportunity to mingle, engage in meaningful conversations about the organization, bid on exclusive items in the silent auction and learn how your support can make a difference.
Purchase tickets and find out more.

Photo via Garden Gala’s Facebook Event
Posted in Advertorial Feature, Events

Support Ladies, Littles, and Lattes at the Garden Gala Fundraiser on March 8

Imagine a place in Franklin County where parents can take their children to play in a safe, clean, and indoor play environment that’s available throughout the four seasons. And, picture parents and caregivers getting the chance to engage with each other over a cup of coffee while the little ones play nearby. If this scenario sounds like a dream come true, you should know that there’s a group of local moms working diligently to turn that dream into a reality. 

What started as a way to connect with other parents and form playgroups has shifted into creating a space where families from around the community can meet, engage, and learn. Just over two years after its founding, the private Facebook group called Ladies, Littles, and Lattes + GRPC is 1,400 members strong, and growing. It was co-founded by Sarah Walsh and Emily Tyler and is based on an idea that was inspired by the playgroups Sarah was a part of when she lived in Illinois. 

“When my family moved to Union in August 2022, I noticed a lack of engaging opportunities for parents and children to connect with others in the community,” Sarah explains. 

The rapid growth of the Facebook group shows there is a clear need for the meetups. Currently the group hosts in person meetups at the Franklin County Resource Center—Monday mornings for moms or female caregivers and their children, and Saturdays for the whole family. These gatherings offer a space for parents to share life experiences and challenges, as well as connect, support, and encourage one another while their kids play, learn, and grow together.

“We regularly host 10 to 25 moms and their children at each two-hour playdate meetup. This success has inspired us to take the next step: creating a permanent space of our own for families in our community,” Sarah says.

The next step towards bringing the play space to life

Last March, Ladies, Littles, and Lattes officially received its 501(c)(3) status, which allows for fundraising for its newest project called Growing Roots Play Cafe. The indoor play space will offer a variety of interactive play areas for children, including a climbing structure, soft play area, sensory section, and imagination houses. In addition to play spaces, the cafe will provide resources and classes for families and a comfortable space for caregivers to relax and connect.

Since forming its non-profit status, the organization has received support from the community sharing the mission and vision of the organization in a grassroots effort, along with some local media coverage, and lots of support and hard work from its board members.

“This dream wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our incredible board members, who have worked tirelessly to help bring this vision closer to reality. Together, our team is committed to making Growing Roots Play Cafe a place where all families feel accepted, encouraged, and connected,” Sarah shares.

To bring Growing Roots Play Cafe to life, the group will be applying for grants, seeking sponsorships, and hosting various fundraising events. On Saturday, March 8, Ladies, Littles, & Lattes + GRPC is hosting a Garden Gala at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington to help raise funds to propel the organization forward in its mission.

The March 8 event is from 5 to 9 p.m. and attendees can expect dinner, an open bar, music by Eagle Entertainment, plus a silent auction, and guest speakers. Tickets for the Garden Gala are available online

For anyone unable to attend the event, there are a few different ways to donate to the organization online to help support its mission. 

Find out more about Ladies, Littles, and Lattes + GRPC by following it on Facebook.